The DFB and EA Sports have reached an agreement to include the DFB-Pokal and the 3. Liga on FIFA 18. It will be their first appearance on the title, which is one of the most successful video game franchises in the world.
The official DFB license encompasses all 20 third-division sides for the 2017/18 campaign, with over 500 players and each club’s home and away kit. It means teams steeped in tradition such as 1. FC Magdeburg, SC Preußen Münster, Hallesche FC and FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt will make their debut on the game.
“The DFB and EA Deutschland have been working towards this solution for a long time,” said Denni Strick, director of marketing for DFB e.V. and chief executive of DFB GmbH. “We’re delighted that this attractive package is now going out to the fans.”
Peter Frymuth, who as DFB vice president is responsible for the organisation and development of the DFB-Pokal and 3. Liga, also welcomes the news. “It’s wonderful for the fans, the clubs and the league. Being able to play with their own third-division team in FIFA will bring a lot of joy to every gamer. It will also strengthen the relationship between the clubs and in particular their young, technology-loving supporters.”
On top of the 3. Liga featuring, the DFB-Pokal will also be playable for the first time. Alongside its integration into career mode, the tournament will also be available to play as a standalone cup. The ongoing partnership between the DFB and EA has also seen the men’s and women’s Germany national teams feature on a number of FIFA titles over recent years, complete with their original licenses.
“By including the 3. Liga, we’re fulfilling one of the FIFA gaming community’s biggest wishes,” said Björn Vöcking, marketing director GSA at Electronic Arts. “The passion for local clubs defines football culture across the world. That’s why we’re delighted to give fans the chance to play with their third-division clubs for the first time in FIFA 18.”
FIFA 18 is being developed by EA Vancouver and EA Romania and will be available for worldwide release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on 29th September.